General Mills Targeted in Another Toxic Mac and Cheese Class Action

Consumers have filed another class action lawsuit claiming General Mills misleadingly sold Annie’s Mac and Cheese and other pasta products that contain toxic chemicals.  

In a nationwide class action filed in New York federal court on Friday, lead plaintiff, Steven Lavalle claims that dozens of General Mills pasta products contain “ortho-phthalates,” also known as “phthalates,” which are known to cause health problems. Lavalle alleges that General Mills knew of the dangerous and toxic chemicals in its products, but mislead the public, using marketing that appealed to health-conscious consumers.  

“In the past few years, researchers have linked phthalates to asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues,” alleges the lawsuit, which also says pregnant women and children are most at risk.  

Lavalle points out in his lawsuit that General Mills labels various pasta products, including Annie’s Mac and Cheese, as “Certified Organic” or “Made-with-Organic ingredients.” However, the company fails to warn of the allegedly toxic chemicals in its products, despite public reports and articles warning of the danger of phthalates. 

Indeed, the lawsuit points out that General Mills’ own website reveals that its products contain the harmful chemical.  

“While Defendant’s packaging doesn’t contain any warnings about the risk of phthalates, it does find ample space to brag to consumers that its Products are ‘Made with Goodness’ and they are either Certified Organic or Made-with-Organic ingredients,” states the lawsuit.  

Lavalle’s claims echo similar allegations made in a class action lawsuit concerning Annie’s Mac and Cheese and other General Mills products filed in New York federal court earlier this month. In addition, consumers have filed a class action lawsuit alleging Kraft macaroni and cheese products also contain toxic chemicals. 

Lavalle’s class action lawsuit alleges that he and other consumers paid a premium for these misleadingly labeled products based on General Mills’ false advertising. The lawsuit accuses General Mills of violating federal and New York state consumer protection laws. Lavalle seeks to assess statutory damages of $550 per transaction, along with punitive damages and expenses, for himself and on behalf of a proposed nationwide Class of consumers and New York subclass.  

Have you purchased General Mills’ mac and cheese products that allegedly contain toxic chemicals? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below! 

Lead plaintiff, Steven Lavalle, is represented by Jason P. Sultzer, Joseph Lipari, and Daniel Markowitz of the Sultzer Law Group PC and Charles E. Schaffer and David C. Magagna Jr. of Levin Sedran & Berman LLP. 

The General Mills Toxic Mac and Cheese Class Action Lawsuit is Lavalle v. General Mills Inc., Case No. 7:21-cv-03103 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.  

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